The Heroes retained him for $780,000 this year, including a $130,000 signing bonus, but their patience wore thin after Dorn failed to bounce back following three different stints in the minors.

He started the year batting 2-for-21 in nine games. He was sent down to the minors in mid-April and returned for one game on May 10 before getting another demotion two days later.

Dorn returned to the Heroes' lineup on May 26 but picked up just two hits in his next 12 at-bats before making his third and final trip to the minors on June 9.

He played three games earlier this month and a 2-for-10 showing in those games sealed his fate.

Dorn performed much better in the minors, with a .337 batting average, nine home runs and 23 RBIs in 24 games.

KBO clubs are each allowed three foreign players, one of whom must be a position player. The Heroes said they're in search of Dorn's replacement. (Yonhap)